“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”—Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth is a strange phrase. Can you buy the truth? And if so, where is it sold? I really had a difficult time understanding this terminology. So, I looked up over a dozen modern translations and almost all of them stick with the phrase—buy the truth. So again I ask—how do you buy the truth?

The truth can be found in many places. We learn truth in math class. If we have three apples, then eat one, we have two apples left. Who can argue with that? We find truth in science. We find truth in ancient literature. For example, the Golden Rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you—is truth. So truth can be found but where can we buy it?

Buy means to purchase or spend money on something. We spend money all the time—on one thing or another. College tuition has a price. Books have a price. I take buy the truth, then, to mean that we should invest financially in people, places, and things that reveal or teach the truth. And once we have the truth, we should not get rid of it or forget it. If I buy a couch today, I can sell it next year if I please. But the truth is too precious to ever let go. Treat it like a family heirloom. Treat the truth like a priceless work of art. Buy the truth!

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”—Proverbs 22:6

Children are the seeds of the change we desire. If we teach our children sound principles, we can completely change the world in only one or two generations. Education has always intrigued me. I’ve always tried to be a good example for the youth in my circle. At this stage in life and ministry, my desire is to expand this part of my heart and vision. The reason so many young people seem lost is because they aren’t taught. If a child’s parents are lost, what hope does the child have, except someone else interjects some wisdom, love, affection, mentorship, and guidance?

Our ministry is under a major renewal and this year we will start some type of mentorship initiative. What exactly? I’m not sure. But from what I’m seeing in the community, many children just need to know that someone cares. Young people also need economic empowerment. You may never become famous. And I may never have my name in lights. But together we can change the world. Each child that we touch changes the destiny of their entire bloodline. It has an exponential effect. Love all the children.

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”—Proverbs 21:2

No one is right all the time. We should listen to other people’s perspectives. We should always value our thoughts and ideas. Thinking for one’s self doesn’t mean excluding everyone else’s thoughts. It means that we think before making a judgment; we think before making a move. But again, we’re all right in our own eyes. I know I tend to think my ideas are generally right. Thank God I’ve learned to have a quieter nature. Being quiet has saved me from embarrassment. I’ve misjudged people a number of times. But because I kept my comments to myself, nobody knows about these erroneous thoughts.

The real story is in the heart. God sees the heart. People’s behavior doesn’t tell the whole story. What’s causing their behavior? How did this person end up in this situation? Why does this political group view the world this way? When we realize that the heart tells the real story, our mind begins to open. Listen to other people’s perspectives more. Learn from others.

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”—Proverbs 20:1

Father Hurley taught that drinking in moderation is acceptable. But what does moderation mean? We generally think of moderation as not too much and not too little. In Aristotle’s ethical philosophy though, moderation is based on the individual. Moderate drinking for a severe alcoholic is no alcohol. For a young person who just turned 21, moderate drinking should mean one shot, in a controlled environment, to observe their body’s reaction.

I stopped drinking alcohol in October 2010. The Spirit said, “If you keep drinking, you’ll turn into an alcoholic.” I wasn’t a heavy drinker, so the directive seemed strange but I obeyed. This October will mark 7 years and all I can say is that obedience is better than sacrifice. Drinking—in and of itself—isn’t bad. But all of us need to regularly keep watch over our relationship to alcohol.

Being drunk isn’t a good state to be in. About two years ago, I was in a pizzeria in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was about 2am. I was waiting for the Megabus to come, so I could come back home to Chicago. While eating my slice of pizza, four young ladies came in, got in line, and ordered. Three of them went back out. They left their friend at the counter by the front door. She was sloppy drunk. She kept slipping off the tall stool. I kept an eye on her. She kept winking at me—probably thought I was interested in her. Actually, I felt sorry for her. And I didn’t want someone to slide her out the door in her condition. I was relieved when her friends came back—about 15 minutes later.

Having a cocktail or two is fine and all. And I won’t condemn anyone who drinks. But remember our subject. Review your drinking habits.

“Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”—Proverbs 19:4

The political party in power in our country today needs to internalize this wisdom. Too many people demean the poor and needy. As spiritual minded people, our task isn’t to tear down but to build up. The poor are isolated. The poor are left in failing schools, failing neighborhoods, and with a failing infrastructure. And it’s not always because everyone is poor. For example, in Illinois, Chicago’s tax base makes up 20% of the state education revenue. But when the state issues money back out, Chicago only gets 15%, while other smaller—and richer—districts get more than their fare share back.

The wealthy have many friends and hangers on! I’m writing this during tax season and when the tax refunds start being deposited, everyone will have friends. There will be parties, vacations, and shopping sprees. But when the money is low again, the friends will be scare. Praise God for wisdom! I hope everyone is getting something from this study of Proverbs. Love everybody. Help everyone that you can. Love the poor.